Porto, Portugal is a stunning European city in northern Portugal. It is known for its beautiful bridges, its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center and delicious port wine. One of the best and most unique ways to see the city is from a boat on the perspective of the Douro River! We had the most incredible experience sailing the river with the Douro Captain team. Below are details on the best Porto Douro river cruise.
The Douro River winds its way through the city, offering stunning views of the cityscape. On a boat cruise, you can see the city from a different angle and get a closer look at the bridges, the port wine cellars and the steep hills of Porto.
There are many different boat companies that offer cruises down the Douro River, but Douro Captain is by far the best option. Douro Captain offers a variety of different cruises, including sunset cruises, wine tasting cruises and private cruises. The company also has a fleet of beautiful boats, including sailboats and modern catamarans.
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience Porto, we highly recommend booking a cruise with Douro Captain. You won’t be disappointed!
What to expect on a Douro River cruise
Board your sailboat at Douro Marina which is roughly a twenty minute drive from the center of Porto. Upon boarding, explore the saloon and cabins of the boat before either sitting on the back or laying on the front to relax.
The Douro Captain team will provide you with a welcome drink of Port & Tonic and a snack of potato chips as you cruise towards the famous Ponte Luis I. Along the way you will learn about some of the different sights and the surrounding area of Porto.
During this two hour tour, experience complete relaxation while sailing on the smooth water of the Douro. Some famous sights you’ll see include Pavilhao Rosa Mota, Jardim do Roseiral, the Porto Cathedral and Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. Weather permitting, you will also be able to let the sails out and actually sail while in the Atlantic Ocean!
Tips for the Douro River cruise
- Even though the Douro Captain team will provide some blankets, we recommend wearing layers because depending which way the boat is facing, the wind will pick up.
- Take some dramamine if you are prone to seasickness.
- A bolt to the pier is typically around 10-20 from the center of Porto.
- We recommended going to eat at Restaurante Vapor near the marina before your after your Douro River cruise!
If you are looking for a memorable and enjoyable cruise down the Douro River, Douro Captain is the best option. We will forever cherish our sailing experience with Douro Captain and will definitely do it again the next time we are in Porto!
With Douro Captain, you can be sure to have a relaxing and enjoyable time on the river, while also taking in the stunning scenery of Porto from a different perspective. Book your cruise with Douro Captain today!
